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Diagnostic Imaging

We operate Ireland’s first and most advanced standing MRI and CT facilities, supported by in-house radiography and ultrasonography. Our imaging services are available both on-site and at our clinic, with digital results interpreted by board-certified specialists through PEAK Equine Diagnostic Imaging.

 

OFFERED MODALITIES

  • Digital radiography (limbs, spine, dental, thorax)

  • Ultrasound (soft tissue, abdominal, cardiac, reproductive)

  • Standing MRI and CT for detailed evaluation of distal limb and complex lameness

  • Imaging consultation for referral cases and second opinions

Standing MRI at Ballyvarney Sport Horse Medicine in Kildare Ireland
Ballyvarney Standing CT

We also provide excellent referral services for complex, longstanding or multi-limb lameness issues.  We will take the time and the care to get to the bottom of lameness issues and communicate fully with all owners, trainers and riders involved.  We are also happy to formulate and provide rehabilitation plans and services aiming to return the horse to function and continue to monitor and care for the horse through recouperation and return to exercise and competition.

 

WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING INVESTIGATIONS:

(BUT NOT LIMITED TO)

  • History review and competition records

  • Clinical and physical examination

  • Objective/subjective gait analysis

  • Lameness investigation

  • Poor performance

  • Back pain

  • Blood analysis

  • Exercise testing

    • Overland

    • High speed treadmill in clinic

    •  Telemetric ECG, blood lactate and dynamic airway endoscopy

  • Evaluation of the lower airways

  • Weight loss/energy loss

  • Gastroscopy

  • Heart evalution: ECG and Echocardiography (heart ultrasound)

Why choose ballyvarney

Interior of Ballyvarney barn

Leaders in Equine Sports Medicine

Ireland’s only clinic led by a board-certified equine sports medicine specialist, delivering elite diagnostics and care.

Trusted by Top Yards

Veterinary partner to Ireland’s most successful competition, racing, and breeding operations.

Integrated Specialist TeaM

Veterinarians, nurses, physiotherapists, and farriers collaborating under one roof to achieve outstanding results

State-of-the-Art FacilitieS

Home to Ireland’s first standing MRI and CT units, alongside advanced diagnostics, rehab, and on-site farriery.

Proven Results in Recovery

A trusted track record in lameness, post-op recovery, and long-term performance outcomes at the highest level.

Equine vet inspecting horse

Pre-Purchase Examinations (Vetting)

Our pre-purchase exams are carried out by experienced sport horse and thoroughbred veterinarians and are designed to assist buyers in making informed decisions.

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WE OFFER

  • Two-stage and five-stage clinical examinations

  • Optional diagnostic add-ons: x-rays, ultrasound, endoscopy, MRI, CT

  • Vettings for sport horses, leisure horses, ponies, and thoroughbreds

  • Detailed written reports and access to digital imaging

  • International vetting support for overseas buyers purchasing in Ireland

Ambulatory & On-Yard Services

Our ambulatory service delivers convenient, high-level veterinary care to clients in the Kildare region. From preventative health to diagnostics and emergency care, we bring clinical excellence directly to your yard.

 

COMMON SERVICES

  • Vaccinations, health checks, and dental care

  • Blood testing and lab work

  • Digital radiography and ultrasound

  • Airway scoping and performance assessments

  • Microchipping, markings, and ID verification

  • Basic emergency response

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Discounted rates are available for shared visits or local yards.

Interior of Ballyvarney barn
Horse at Ballyvarney
Ballyvarney Exam Room

Equine Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Services

Our Equine Performance and Rehabilitation Centre delivers structured recovery and conditioning programs tailored to each horse’s clinical needs and performance goals. We manage acute injuries, post-operative cases, neurological deficits, and long-term conditioning with an integrated, specialist-led approach.

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AVAILABLE THERAPIES INCLUDE

  • Veterinary physiotherapy and manual therapy

  • Class IV laser and therapeutic ultrasound

  • Indiba radiofrequency therapy

  • Shockwave therapy

  • E-Stim and TENS

  • Veterinary acupuncture

  • Land treadmill training

  • Proprioceptive and neuromuscular re-education

  • Pain management and preventative protocols

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Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to create evidence-based rehabilitation and performance plans, ensuring every horse receives targeted, results-driven care.

Farrier

Farriery Services

Correct and responsive shoeing is a cornerstone of equine soundness. Our fully equipped on-site forge operates weekly and is integrated with veterinary diagnostics and radiographic foot balance assessment.

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LED BY DAVID KELLY MFIMFA, OUR FARRIER SERVICE INCLUDES

  • Routine hot and cold shoeing

  • Remedial and corrective shoeing for orthopaedic conditions

  • Support for foals with angular or flexural limb deformities

  • Sedation services for anxious horses

  • On-site dynamic assessments and farrier-vet collaboration

stirrup-celtic-pattern-gradient_edited.png
Ropes and saddles

Export & Transport Certification

Veterinary Documentation for International Equine Movement

We provide full veterinary certification and compliance support for the international export and transport of horses from Ireland. Our experienced team handles the regulatory and clinical requirements necessary for safe and legal equine movement across borders.

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EXPORT SERVICE INCLUDE

  • Preparation of official health certificates and movement documents

  • Pre-export veterinary examinations and identification verification

  • Laboratory testing (e.g., Coggins, EVA, EIA)

  • Vaccination record validation

  • Microchipping and markings

  • Coordination with transport companies and regulatory agencies

  • Compliance with DAFM and international import regulations

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We support exports to the UK, USA, UAE, EU member states, and other global destinations, and are trusted by owners, agents, and shipping professionals for efficient and accurate documentation.

Young horse

Thoroughbred Veterinary Services

We provide dedicated veterinary support to sales, pre-training, and racing yards, with the flexibility to deliver both routine and advanced care on-site.

 

SERVICES INCLUDE

  • Vaccinations, dental care, health screening

  • Blood testing and metabolic profiling

  • Radiography, ultrasonography, airway endoscopy, and gastroscopy

  • Poor performance and lameness evaluations

  • Repository radiograph packages and endoscopy videos for sales

  • Suitability certification for training and breeding

Trot Up at Ballyvarney
Horse in field at Ballyvarney Kildare Ireland

Sports Medicine & Performance Evaluation

Our experienced team of sports medicine veterinarians includes the only board certified specialist in sports medicine in Ireland, Dr Rachel Read.  In addition to that, we have a team of highly experienced vets who can help in all aspects of diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of injury or illness for competition and please horses at any level.

 

Our specialists have access to all the latest technology in both standard and advanced diagnostic equipment in order to be able to provide the highest standard of care.  Our aim is to detect problems at an early stage in order to keep horses healthy and performing at the best of their ability and provide career longevity.  Poor performance issue can be difficult to detect and present in a variety of ways including manifesting in behavioural issues, knocking poles, difficulty with movements, dropping places, increased running times and loss of energy.

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